DCMS blog

Ian Watson

Director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums

Ian Watson
Director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums

“Have fun, get an accountant!” How apprentice Ben became a music label owner within a year

February 9, 2024 — Apprenticeship

When his apprenticeship started in 2019, Benjamin Magee could never known he would be running the company that welcomed him in within a year Ben told us how exceptional circumstances, and exceptional people, gave him a music management apprenticeship like no other I’m the director of New Champion Management, which was formerly Champion Sound Recordings,…

VCSE Crown Rep Christmas Blog

December 19, 2023 — Uncategorized

As we begin the festive season, I want to take the opportunity to reflect on the challenges and successes of the past year and look forward to an exciting year ahead.  Reflections on 2023 Throughout 2023 VCSEs have continued to deal with a challenging environment as our communities contend with the impacts of the ongoing…

Charities will add social value to DCMS supply chains

March 30, 2023 — Civil Society

VCSE Crown Representative

As Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise (VCSE) Crown Representative, Claire Dove CBE acts as an intermediary between government and the charity and social enterprise sectors to champion the Social Value Act and secure an improvement in commissioning practices. As a key player in the social enterprise movement for over 40 years she brings a wealth…

National Data Strategy Forum: latest news

December 5, 2022 — National Data Strategy

It has been one year since the creation of the National Data Strategy Forum, and we are pausing to reflect on its achievements; as well as sharing some insights from our latest event – the NDS Forum webinar on Public Attitudes to Data and AI.  What is the NDS Forum? The Forum is a collaborative…

Two Arts and Humanities Research Fellowships awarded

November 4, 2022 — Culture

In May 2022 two new research projects were awarded Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funding to explore key DCMS policy areas. This will fund two academics, through a short term funded research opportunity called a fellowship. The research fellowships have been established as part of DCMS’ Chief Scientific Advisor Office’s aim to build stronger…

Poet Laureate marks the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

September 20, 2022 — Culture

The Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage, published his tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in the form of a new poem, following her death on Thursday 8th September 2022. “Floral Tribute” mentions one of the Queen’s favourite flowers, the lily of the valley. They appeared in her wedding and coronation bouquets. Floral Tribute Evening will come, however…

National Data Strategy: Foundational data skills

August 4, 2022 — Digital

The National Data Strategy sets out how we will ensure the UK can harness data to fuel innovation and growth, and create jobs across the country to boost the economy. The Strategy recognises it is important for everyone leaving our schools and universities to be better prepared for data-driven lives and careers.  Working together The…

Understanding the B2022 Legacy for University of Birmingham

July 21, 2022 — Sport

  The Commonwealth Games are one of the world’s mega sports events, the third largest in the world, superseded only by the Olympic and Paralympic Games in terms of size and scale. Having attended four Olympic Games and three Commonwealth Games since 2002 in multiple capacities, I can honestly say, we are in for a…

Exploring new policy tools for managing data across borders

June 13, 2022 — Digital

Data now underpins and reflects practically all economic sectors and social activities. It is no surprise therefore that policy-making, at local, national, and international levels, also critically relies on data. The UK’s National Data Strategy provides an example of how countries are seeking to leverage data for economic growth and societal well-being while ensuring appropriate…